Essence at the Pantiles by Atul Kochhar

Review summary

1. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   London2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 1 day ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Fabulous food in a delightful environment with friendly, knowledgeable and efficient service.
   

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2. S

   Stephen

   Kent1 review

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We went to Essence as a birthday treat for my 65, we were greeted by a lovely lady with a warm welcome, We were shown to our table an introduced to the staff who were also very polite and helpful. We ordered food from the weekday lunchtime menu and were not disappointed, it was lovely. The food was fresh with flavours we had not had before in any other Indian meal we had tried. Every course was an original experience for us and we will certainly be returning. The serving staff were attentive and happy to answer our questions. The restaurant is located in a very nice area and does not disappoint when you go inside.
   

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3. M

   MARIA

   London1 review

   4.0

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Very nice evening at Essence the staff were very lovely, the setting was beautiful, we had the tasting menu the food was very good, the only area we felt was a shame was the base layer in the sauces with each meal was the same notes in spice etc it would have been nice to have had different tastes throughout the menu but was still very good. Thank you Maria
   

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4. j

   jon

   Kent4 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Really good food excellent service and good value . A really good asset to Tunbridge Wells.
   

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5. S

   Sally

   London10 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Best restaurant I have been to in a long time - the menu was full of delightful, interesting and exciting choices. The drinks menu and cocktails were creative and delicious. Our food was incredible (scallops to start and goan seafood curry as a main, husband had wagyu beef kebab followed by venison). Beautiful flavours and spices. Honestly couldn’t fault the whole experience. Yes it is on the more expensive side - but you get what you pay for - pure quality. Atmosphere was fantastic - not stuffy or overly formal. Great to see the restaurant so busy. We will definitely go back.
   

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6. J

   Julie

   Kent2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 5 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   This is our second time visiting and the experience was just as amazing as the 1st. Would definitely go again. The taster menu with wine pairings was amazing
   

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7. J

   Jane

   Kent1 review

   5.0

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We were celebrating a friends birthday. The food was excellent as was the service. We went for lunch and the lunch menu was great we each had something different and all enjoyed their meal. I am looking forward to going back.
   

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8. S

   Simon

   London7 reviews

   4.0

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 3

   Food great, however front of house and decor lower the marks to a 4
   

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9. C

   Catherine

   London3 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on March 3, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   What a find! Outstanding service, stylish surroundings and absolutely delicious food. We had the lunchtime set menu which was great value. Can't wait to go back.
   

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10. l

    louise VIP

    Kent159 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on February 28, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    2nd time here, this time with friends and ordering a la carte as opposed to the tasting menu (which we'd had on our first visit.) Started with cocktails in the bar area then took our table. The Gewurztraminer we chose from the wine list stood up well to the spice of the dishes. Which were all fantastic - I personally had the Keralan monkfish curry as main and some chill prawns to begin with which were both extremely moreish. It was our friends' first time here; we are all in danger of becoming regulars...5 stars all round.
    

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